Fred Hayner, born in 1871, was a professional baseball player whose career was notably brief. He played as a position player in Major League Baseball, making a singular appearance on August 19, 1890. Despite the limited opportunity, Hayner's presence in the game places him within the context of the late 19th century, an era characterized by the early stages of organized professional baseball when the sport was still evolving in terms of rules, playing styles, and audience engagement.
In his only game, Hayner recorded no hits, home runs, or runs batted in, finishing with a batting average of .0. While his statistical contributions were minimal, Hayner's participation in the league reflects the challenges and competitive nature of the time, where many aspiring players sought to leave their mark in a rapidly changing sport. His brief tenure serves as a reminder of the countless athletes who passed through the ranks of baseball, many of whom, like Hayner, had fleeting careers yet contributed to the rich tapestry of baseball history.
